Millions of children in Pakistan remain dependent on humanitarian assistance as recovery and rehabilitation efforts from last year’s catastrophic floods lack sufficient funding, the UN (UNICEF) warned on Friday.
Speaking one year on from the unprecedented disaster, Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, noted new challenges for about four million children living without safe water in flood-affected areas.
“Vulnerable children living in flood-affected areas have endured a horrific year. They lost their loved ones, homes and schools. As the monsoon rains return, the fear of another climate disaster looms large. Recovery efforts continue, but many remain unreached, and the children of Pakistan risk being forgotten.”
This season’s monsoon rains have already claimed the lives of over 210 people, including 87 children, and damaged more than 4,000 houses across the country.
The historic floods of 2022, made worse by climate change impacts, submerged over a third of Pakistan, affecting 33 million people, half of whom were children. Critical infrastructure was damaged or destroyed – including 30,000 schools, 2,000 health facilities and 4,300 water systems.
The disaster also deepened pre-existing inequities for children and families. A third of all youngsters were already out of school before the floods, malnutrition was reaching emergency levels and access to safe drinking water and sanitation was worryingly low, according to UNICEF.
Last year, catastrophic #FloodsInPakistan upended the lives of 33 million people, almost half were children.
Since August 2022, UNICEF and partners have continued to assist affected populations, reaching 3.6 million people with primary healthcare services, 1.7 million with safe water, and over 545,000 children and caregivers with mental health and psychosocial support.
The UN agency also screened 2.1 million children for severe acute malnutrition and admitted 172,000 children for lifesaving treatment.
Mr. Fadil called on the Government as well as partners to step up investments in social services for children and families.
“We must build back climate-resilient systems that bridge equity gaps and reduce vulnerability to climate shocks. The flood waters have gone, but [children’s] troubles remain, in this climate volatile region.”
EU NEWS / As the European Union grapples with the aftermath of Brexit, the Eurozone and ongoing immigration concerns it is crucial to stay well-informed about how these factors impact the economic landscape. With much, at stake, it has never been more important to understand the intricacies of the EU decisions and policies.
In a world that is increasingly interconnected the consequences of Brexit are far-reaching. It not affects only the United Kingdom but also its European neighbours. This article delves into how Brexit impacts trade relationships, travel arrangements and political ties within the EU.
Furthermore, there are challenges and opportunities in the Eurozone—a monetary union comprising 19 member states. From policies to maintaining stability this article explores various dynamics that shape this influential economic powerhouse’s future.
Lastly, immigration policies have sparked debates across Europe. By shedding light on approaches and their consequences this comprehensive article aims to provide an understanding of this complex issue.
Stay tuned for the updates, on EU news, where we will delve into the topics of Brexit, the evolution of the Eurozone and the ever-changing immigration policies.
The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union known as Brexit has had an impact on both sides. This historic event brings forth implications that come with their own set of challenges and opportunities.
The economic effects stemming from Brexit are extensive. Have reaching consequences. One major concern lies in trade disruptions. As standing trading partners both the EU and UK have experienced supply chain disruptions due to the departure of the UK from the EU single market. Businesses on both ends now face uncertainty. In this article, we will explore sectors affected by these changes. Shed light on efforts made by the EU to minimize any adverse effects.
Brexit has also strained relationships among member states within the EU. The UK’s decision to leave has sparked debates about integration within the union. Some advocate for integration while others question its benefits altogether. This section will examine not only the consequences but also potential implications for what lies ahead for the EU’s future.
Economic Implications arising from Brexit
Apart, from Brexit, there are challenges facing the Eurozone. A monetary union comprising 19 member states within Europe.
The well-being of both member states and the European Union as heavily relies on the stability of the Eurozone. In this section, we will examine the factors influencing the future of the Eurozone and the policies being implemented to ensure its stability.
Fiscal policies play a role in how the Eurozone functions. This article will explore the challenges faced by member states in maintaining discipline and delve into the measures taken by the EU to enforce fiscal practices. Additionally, we will analyze how these policies impact growth and stability.
The European Central Bank (ECB) which controls policy also plays a role in the Eurozone. We will discuss strategies employed by the ECB to maintain price stability and stimulate growth. Furthermore, we will explore challenges faced by the ECB in managing varying interests among member states.
Brexit has had consequences that need to be examined. Immigration policies within the EU have become an issue with member states adopting approaches to address migration and refugee influxes. In this section, our aim is to shed light on these policies and their consequences.
The refugee crisis has put a strain on the resources and capacities of member states leading to tensions, within the EU.
The article aims to shed light on the difficulties encountered by countries located at the borders of the European Union (EU). The steps taken by the EU to distribute the associated burdens more equitably. It will also delve into how immigration affects both labor markets and social cohesion examining integration policies and initiatives implemented by member states to facilitate the inclusion of migrants and refugees, into their societies.
Additionally, this section will explore how decisions and policies made by the EU have far-reaching consequences beyond its borders. Specifically, it will analyze how EU news influences politics. Outlines the EU’s role as a significant global player. The article will investigate how the EU’s stance on issues such as climate change, rights and trade shapes global politics. It will also examine efforts undertaken by the EU to promote its values and interests through agreements.
Furthermore, this piece will discuss relations between the EU and major global powers such as the United States, China and Russia. It will analyze how EU news impacts these relationships and explores areas of cooperation or conflict.
Lastly amidst challenges arising from the Brexit aftermath managing complexities, within the Eurozone and addressing immigration concerns; it is evident that the European Union faces hurdles.
The decisions and policies made by the EU have consequences not, within its borders but on a global scale. It is vital to comprehend the impact of Brexit, the evolution of the Eurozone and the changing immigration policies in order to stay well-informed in today’s changing world. This article aims to delve into these topics offering readers an understanding of captivating EU news and its potential ramifications. Stay tuned as we unravel intriguing EU news uncovering the effects of Brexit, the evolution of the Eurozone and the evolving immigration policies.
I don’t know anyone who hasn’t tasted popcorn in their life, or tostones, as they are also often called and whose peak time to taste them in the past was All Saints’ Day or All Souls’ Day.
Now it is unforgivable to go to the cinema anywhere in the world and not provide yourself with a good box full of popcorn to taste while watching a movie or make them at home for the same purpose. In the past, they were made in a frying pan with a little sunflower oil and covered with a lid that had to be tightened while moving the frying pan so that they would not come out and the heat would cause the grains to burst.
Freshly made, you can put sugar or salt, to taste, and thus delight young and old alike.
Photo by Wemax Projectors
But modernity has also reached this very natural product and we only have to put the bags in the microwave, greased inside with butter, and in a few minutes we have the popcorn ready.
But how did this discovery come about, which some have described as the metamorphosis that a worm undergoes when it becomes a butterfly?
The first traces of popcorn date back more than six thousand years in the Cueva de los Murciélagos in Mexico and also in different areas of Peru, where it was an essential part of the diet of these ancient civilizations. In addition to serving as food, popcorn was also very important in the religious ceremonies of the Mexican Aztecs and the celebrations and festivals of pre-Columbian Colombia, both as food and to make necklaces and headdresses.
With the landing of Christopher Columbus on that continent and the subsequent colonization of Latin America, Westerners began to have contact with popcorn. Christopher Columbus he noticed that the natives made hats and bodices out of popcorn, which they sold to the sailors. The use of them as crafts continues today.
Abate Juan Ignacio Molina, in 1788 wrote that corn came out:
“a quite tasty drink, and a very useful flour, first accustoming to grind it and roast it in a bath of sand: it is good that for this operation they prefer another species of corn that they call Caragua, which although much smaller in all its parts, swells in such a way in the sand bath, which acquires a much larger volume than the others, and gives a lighter and whiter flour, which, dissolved in cool or hot water with a little sugar, forms the two drinks that are called ulpoand Chercan.
In the north of the American continent, French settlers documented that the Iroquois Indians popped corn in hot clay bowls, with which they later brewed beer and soups. It was from these contacts between the natives and the colonizers that popcorn became very popular in Western cultures and became part of the diet of the thousands of settlers who arrived in America during the different migratory waves that started from the different nations of the old world.
The popularization and mass consumption of popcorn came thanks to the ingenuity of the inventor Charles Cretors, who in 1885 devised a machine that, using hot air, caused the uniform explosion of corn kernels. And how could it be otherwise, once the residents of the towns and cities, through which Cretors passed with his new popcorn machine to make it known, tried the delicious delicacy and did not want to continue living without it.
That is how, thanks to this new machine, popcorn became fashionable and began to be consumed as delicious entertainment at fairs and during shows and film screenings.
From that moment to the present day, the passion for popcorn has not stopped growing all over the world and has become one of the healthiest, tastiest, cheapest and most fun snacks on the market.
Throughout the world there are a lot of ways to refer to our unmistakable popcorn and depending on where you are they are known with names as curious as Crispetes, fuss, little corn, roosters, poporopos, poscon, poporochos, popcorns, pururú, pop, popcorn, canchita, cancha perlita, canguil, pororó, popcorn, chivitas, corn goats, tote corn, popcorn, rosettes, roses, bagels, tostones, cocaleca, etc.
Such a change would require a constitutional amendment.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristerson said his country has no plans, like Denmark, to ban Koran burning. “Each country exposed to acute threats chooses its own way to deal with them. I have a lot of respect for what Denmark is doing at the moment,” Kristersson was quoted as saying by SVT. He added that the Swedish government was of the opinion that it should not follow the example of Denmark. “A change would require a constitutional amendment, so it’s not the best fit for Sweden,” Kristersson said.
The Danish government announced plans to ban the burning of the Koran after most desecrations of Islam’s holy book sparked outrage in Muslim countries. Koran burnings in Denmark and Sweden have sparked protests in some Muslim-majority countries this year, and both countries have since stepped up security measures.
Otherwise, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov threatened that after Ukraine, they will invade the countries where people have burned the Koran.
Photo by Emre Ateşoğlu: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-reading-koran-16066399/
In recent decades, a new form of art has emerged – digital art.
Throughout the course of history the world of art has undergone changes. From cave paintings, to the masterpieces of the Renaissance art has always served as a medium for human creativity and self expression. In times a new form of artistic expression has emerged; digital art. This article takes a look at how digital art has evolved over the years from its beginnings to its prominent position in todays art world.
The Birth of Digital Art:
The advent of computers and digital technology in the mid 20th century laid the groundwork for the birth of art. In the 1950s artists like Ben F. Laposky began experimenting with images created by manipulating circuits. These early pioneers utilized analog computers to produce captivating patterns and abstract designs.
The Rise of Computer Graphics;
In the 1960s computer technology advanced further giving rise to computer graphics. Artists and computer scientists collaborated to develop computer generated images (CGIs). Significant milestones during this time include Ivan Sutherlands Sketchpad software in 1963. Douglas Engelbarts invention of the computer mouse in 1964 – both instrumental, in shaping the evolution of digital art.
The advancement, in technology has greatly influenced the world of art with the emergence of art. With the advent of computers in the 1980s artists gained access to tools and software that allowed them to replicate traditional artistic techniques. Programs like Adobe Photoshop opened up a realm of possibilities by enabling artists to paint, draw and manipulate images digitally.
This technological shift gave rise to painting and photography as forms of art. Artists were now able to create artworks that resembled oil paintings or charcoal sketches using mediums. In addition the availability of cameras made it easier for photographers to capture images while photo editing software allowed them to enhance and modify their photos digitally.
The impact of art
The impact of art expanded beyond expression as it began permeating various industries like advertising and entertainment. Digital techniques revolutionized logo design, graphics creation and animation in the advertising field. Moreover movies started incorporating computer generated imagery (CGI) to produce effects and bring fantastical worlds to life. Throughout its evolution digital art has undergone transformations thanks to advancements in technology. From analog computers, to software applications. As a result digital art has become a part of todays landscape.
The world of tools has opened up opportunities, for artists empowering them to challenge conventions and redefine traditional artistic methods. Digital art is no longer confined to screens. Is now being exhibited in galleries, museums and online platforms well. As technology progresses the future of this evolving art form holds possibilities that we can only begin to imagine.
Some frogs glow at dusk, using a fluorescent compound, scientists say
In 2017, scientists announced a natural miracle, some frogs glow at dusk, using a fluorescent compound that we have not seen before in nature.
At the time, it was not known how many species of frogs could emit this fluorescence.
A study of 151 species of South American frogs shows the degree of fluorescence of each individual species. Data from the study suggest that fluorescence is tied to the frogs’ vision.
According to scientists, light emission affects the way frogs signal to each other. They believe that fluorescence repels predators.
“Through a field study in South America, we discovered and documented patterns of biofluorescence in tropical amphibians,” writes Florida State University biologist Courtney Witcher.
“Many things in the animal kingdom glow, but the reason is not always obvious,” scientists point out.
Fluorescence is a type of glow created when light is absorbed and re-emitted at a different wavelength, and is seen in many species, including sharks, chameleons and salamanders. Bones also fluoresce, scientists explain.
The biofluorescence produced in the skin of frogs is different from the fluorescence of other luminous animals.
Blue light, which is closest to Earth’s natural twilight, produces the strongest fluorescence, and the fluorescence itself appears primarily in two distinct peaks of visible light — green and orange, the scientists said.
Many frogs are crepuscular – that is, they are active at dusk. In some species, their eyes are designed to work best in this light, dominated by rod-shaped photoreceptors sensitive to green and blue, writes Science Alert.
Frogs’ green glow is brightest during the day, scientists explain. The parts of the body that glow are those most involved in animal communication, namely the throat and back. This suggests that biofluorescence is part of the communication toolkit of frogs.
Source: Science Alert
Illustrative Photo by nastia: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-frog-103796/
Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish a person who frequently lies from one who suffers from mythomania
Everyone has lied at some point. This is an undeniable fact. In fact, although honesty is considered the highest moral value, it is possible that lying is accepted in some situations. You can lie to avoid revealing a surprise party or get rid of someone who will only bring unhappiness into your life, for example. But what about people who lie for no reason?
Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish a person who often lies from one who suffers from mythomania – a condition in which we can talk about compulsive lying. In this disorder, called mythomania, a person lies compulsively, constantly falsifies and distorts reality, in most cases he himself does not realize that he is lying and can even believe his own fictions and accept them as real.
Mythomania is more common in men than in women. Among the main personality characteristics of these people are low self-esteem, narcissism, little or no social skills, and a tendency to distrust other people.
What is going on in these people’s heads to lie incessantly for no reason?
Need for approval
This is one of the most common reasons for lying, but in this particular case there is no real environmental pressure to do so. This means that the subject, despite being in a social circle that accepts and welcomes him, continues to feel that he must win the approval of others and therefore lies.
Importance is given to the content of the lies
This situation is on more than one level, so let’s see it with an example. A man lies to his friends, saying he has a lot of money. When they find out that this is not the case, everyone is shocked. They are all of similar financial status and there has never been a collective admiration for those people who have more. Here the lie has nothing to do with the pressure of the environment, but with the inner judgment of the liar himself. For him, having a lot of money is one aspect that makes someone successful and he wants to be that way.
Feeling out of control
It may seem absurd, but fictional stories are under the control of the teller, not reality. For this reason, when he tells a story, he modifies it in a fantastic way. That is, the liar takes control of the narrative and the events he presents.
In this way, details and facts that could contradict each other are avoided.
Today’s invention is a continuation of yesterday’s invention
Usually these people get so far from reality in their lies that they themselves entangle a chain of lies that could hardly be unraveled.
They say what they wish were true
Although it may seem unlikely, repeating a lie many times can turn it into a collective truth. For this reason, many people narrate certain facts and aspects of themselves that reflect what they would like to be in reality.
To him who utters it, it is not a lie
After all, the words that come out of our mouths represent a message that has passed through the filters of our perception, mental processing, and memory capacity. That is, sometimes a lie to others can be a truth to us.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have been on the rise, particularly following a significant breakthrough in training Large Language Models (LLMs). These models can self-learn from vast data sets, continually enhancing their creative prowess.
In 2023, artificial intelligence has made significant strides in the education industry, promising to reshape how humans learn and teach. But, like any profound technological advancement, it demands a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of AI.
Can AI Perform As Well As Humans In Writing Services?
Studies proved that AI algorithms need to improve in tasks that demand niche-specific expertise, such as writing research papers. This is why many students prefer to pay professional writers to do research papers online instead of making university libraries their second home. Professional writers offer these services with years of expertise across subjects and domains.
AI In Education: How Does It Help Your Studies?
The development of modern technologies leveraging AI benefits student performance in several ways. Here are some of the major benefits:
#1: Personalized Learning Experiences
Imagine a study plan ideally suited to the student’s speed and style. AI analyzes their learning and makes lesson plans to match their strengths and weaknesses. For example, someone who is weak in algebra, but adept in geometry, needs to practice algebraic concepts more. The learner gets to balance their skills uniformly and finds that geometry takes relatively less time to complete. The personal approach doesn’t make learning easier. It also cuts exasperation and elevates academic performance in tasks such as writing research papers.
#2: Educators Get to Up Their Game
AI has astonishing abilities to automate binary tasks for educators. It helps with tedious work like keeping track of attendance, grading, and even making teaching plans. This means teachers can spend more time trying new methods of teaching and making learning more exciting for learners.
#3: Quick and Personalized Feedback
The capabilities of advanced AI technology continue beyond teaching. It gives instant feedback on assignments. When students know what they did wrong, they can fix it and learn better. Learning through repeated assessments is the key pillar of active learning. It is regarded as one of the most high-yield study techniques.
#4: Easier Access to Resources
AI in education opens up a world of knowledge beyond classrooms. Students get to access educational courses, research papers, and content created by skilled writers from anywhere, anytime.
Bonus tip for students: Use artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT or Google Bard to summarize or simplify complex concepts or research theories. It aids in gaining a better understanding and overview of the subject before delving into its deeper aspects.
#5: A Brainstorming Buddy
Whether it’s while taking a shower or commuting to work, your brain often comes up with unique, innovative ideas. Sometimes, you disregard them due to a lack of clarity regarding their execution and feasibility. AI technology has the ability to objectively analyze an idea and bring forward latent challenges and opportunities. It enables informed decision-making and action in the right direction.
Artificial Intelligence in Education Disadvantages
Just like a coin has two sides, the use of AI in higher education has several adverse effects. As artificial intelligence continues to find its place in the realm of education, it is imperative to assess both its advantages and drawbacks. While AI has demonstrated its potential to revolutionize educational approaches, it is essential to consider the potential disadvantages it brings to the forefront.
#1: Lack of Humane Touch
While personalized learning is excellent, too much of it takes away the human touch from learning. Knowledge isn’t about facts; it’s also about online research, critical thinking, caring, and working together. If AI does too much, it leads to:
Loss of soft skills such as effective communication and empathy
Bad body posture at the workplace
Impaired ability to think outside the box or to put forward breakthrough ideas
An unwanted dependence on AI for simple, daily chores
Weaker memory and cognitive skills
Lack of self-confidence and self-esteem
#2: Handling Bias and Privacy
Artificial intelligence learns from data, which means it picks up deep-rooted biases from that data. It is a concern, especially in places with diverse students and workforces. Fair-use policies and data safety associated with AI systems are also aspects to focus on.
#3: Change in Research Writing Style
More computer-generated content will change how professional writers fit into the education industry. Their originality, tone, and unique voice reflected through their work will set them apart. Also, intelligent computing could change how humans perform online research and online paperwork. AI’s generative capabilities challenge traditional ways of doing things.
#4: Balancing Between Tests and Learning
AI generates much data, which might be redundant or low-yield in context. Further, it could push schools and colleges to emphasize tests more. It hurts the fundamental goal of online education – learning and evolving together.
#5: Thinking on Your Own
Relying too much on computer algorithms may stop you from thinking for yourself. It also leads to losing empathy for the people around you. Critical thinking and problem-solving are integral life skills. If a machine does everything, you may feel free to learn it. It dents your personality in the process.
Comparison: Pros and Cons of AI
Pros:
Cons:
It analyzes how each student learns and creates study sessions that match their preferences.
It takes away the human touch from education, making it robotic.
It automates binary tasks, so educators can focus on spending more time trying new teaching methods.
It picks up deep-rooted biases from the data, raising concerns about fair-use policies and data safety.
It provides instant feedback on assignments, telling students what they did wrong. So they can fix it and learn better.
AI-made content will change how professional writers fit into the content creation world.
It provides users access to a vast amount of resources and writing services.
It generates redundant or low-yield content, pushing educational institutions to prioritize tests.
It enables informed decision-making and action in the right direction.
It leads to losing empathy for the people around you and critical thinking skills.
Final Thoughts
The penetration of AI and the rise of Edtech companies mark a promising future. Its potential to personalize learning and writing improvement is remarkable. But, the potential dilution of human interaction and artificial intelligence dependence are real concerns. Navigating this dynamic terrain requires a holistic approach – harnessing intelligent systems while mitigating its drawbacks.
For example, students should focus on acquiring skills machine learning can’t replace, like critical thinking and creativity for research papers. These skills help people adapt and thrive in a world influenced by computer algorithms. Furthermore, artificial intelligence creators and instructors should work together to make sure it is fair, and that personal data is safe.
Education should be transformative. It should welcome new ideas and changes. AI ought to be used to create exciting ways of teaching and learning while preserving the profound essence of human engagement.
President Zelensky salutes the spirit of a free nation on Independence Day
On the event of Ukraine’s Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky took a second to increase his needs to the individuals of Ukraine.
In a assertion, he expressed, “Today is a special day for the great people of Ukraine as we celebrate our Independence Day! It is an occasion that represents our freedom, strength, dignity, and equality.”
Happy Ukraine’s Independence Day!
The day of the free, the strong, and the dignified. The day of equals. Ukrainian men and women. In our entire country.
In this fight, everyone counts. Because the fight is for something that is important to everyone.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 24, 2023
President Zelensky’s heartfelt message deeply resonated with the significance of this present day as he honored “the people of Ukraine who are celebrating this grand day; Independence Day! It is a celebration of our spirit and unwavering determination.” Thursday, August twenty fourth marked the commemoration of Ukraine’s Independence Day. Through his assertion, President Zelensky paid tribute to the indomitable spirit of his nation.
In his tackle the Ukrainian president expressed gratitude in direction of segments of society together with troopers and their households. He additionally acknowledged educators, docs, nurses and all those that contribute to “Ukraines defense” in gentle of aggression. Furthermore President Zelensky emphasised the significance of those that have proven resilience amidst occupation by acknowledging that 20% of Ukrainian territory stays underneath Moscows management ” regardless of Kievs steadfast resolve to regain management, over these jap and southern areas.
Ukrainian Army Commander in Chief Valery Zaloujny joined in expressing admiration praising Ukraine as “a land of heroic and courageous individuals.”
At the time Ukrainian Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Boudanov communicated a message of unity on Telegram stating that their frequent goal is to attain victory and their shared dream is to determine an unbiased peaceable, safe and affluent future.
Vassyl Maliouk, the head of the Ukrainian Security Service echoed the nations resilience by asserting that Ukraine stays robust regardless of the invasion in February 2022.
As Maliouk aptly put it Independence Day has developed into greater than a celebration of our proper to life and freedom; it has develop into a image of heroism and bravado that signifies our unwavering willpower in the face of adversity.
This years Independence Day celebration coincides with Kievs counter offensive since June as they try to reclaim territories nonetheless occupied by Russia. The Ukrainian individuals stay steadfast of their dedication, to liberation and progress.
As Ukraine commemorates its Independence Day President Zelensky’s phrases replicate the nations enduring spirit. Unwavering dedication to overcoming challenges forging forward and securing a brighter future of freedom.
Twenty-six members of communities affected by TotalEnergies’ mega-oil projects in East Africa have filed a fresh lawsuit in France against the French oil multinational company demanding reparations for human rights violations.
The communities have jointly sued the oil giant along with human rights defender Maxwell Atuhura, and five French and Ugandan civil society organizations (CSOs).
In the suit, the communities are demanding reparations for human rights violations associated with Tilenga and EACOP oil drilling projects.
While an initial lawsuit filed in 2019 sought to prevent such violations, the company has since been accused of failure to comply with its Duty of Vigilance, causing serious harm to plaintiffs, particularly concerning their land and food rights.
The plaintiffs have consequently asked the court to order the company to compensate members of the affected communities.
The CSOs, AFIEGO, Friends of the Earth France, NAPE/Friends of the Earth Uganda, Survie and TASHA Research Institute, as well as Atuhura, are demanding compensation from TotalEnergies on the basis of the second legal mechanism of the French law on Duty of Vigilance.
France’s Corporate Duty of Vigilance law (Loi de Vigilance) requires large corporations in the country to effectively manage their human rights and environmental risks, both within the company itself, but also within subsidiaries, subcontractors and suppliers.
In 2017, France was the first country in the world to adopt a law making it mandatory for large companies to carry out human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD) and publish a Vigilance Plan annually.
The law, known as The French Corporate Duty of Vigilance Law, or The French Loi de Vigilance, was adopted to ensure companies take the necessary measures required to identify and prevent human rights and environmental violations in their supply chains.
The legislation requires companies to comply if they are established in France. At the end of two consecutive financial years, companies are required by law to employ at least 5000 workers in the firm and its France-based subsidiaries.
They are alternatively required to have at least 10000 employees in the company payroll and its subsidiaries in France and other countries.
Dickens Kamugisha, CEO of AFIEGO, says injustices committed against Tilenga and EACOP-affected communities nearly on a weekly basis include under-compensation, delayed compensation to the construction of small, inappropriate replacement houses that were not suitable for family sizes of affected households.
Other violations include young people being forced to live a few metres from EACOP. “The injustices are too many and have caused real grief. We hope that the Paris civil court will
reign in TotalEnergies and provide justice for the people,” says Kamugisha.
In the latest lawsuit, filed at the Paris Civil Court, the communities have asked the court to hold TotalEnergies civilly liable and pay compensation for human rights violations committed against communities affected by Tilenga and other EACOP-affected communities within Ugandan territory in the past 6 years.
The summons clearly demonstrate a causal link between the failure to elaborate and effectively implement TotalEnergies’ Vigilance Plan, “and the damage suffered as a result.”
The communities accuse TotalEnergies of failure to identify risks of serious harm associated with its mega-project and act when alerted to their existence, nor did it implement corrective measures once the human rights violations had occurred. No measures relating to displacements of populations, restricted access to livelihoods or threats to human rights defenders appear in TotalEnergies’ 2018-2023 vigilance plans.
Maxwell Atuhura, director of TASHA says: “We have had interaction with the affected people and environmental human rights defenders intimidated and harassed in their home regions, including myself, due to Total’s oil projects in Uganda. Now we say enough is enough we need to defend absolutely the freedom of speech and opinion. Our voices matter for a better future.”
Yet the risks could have easily been identified in advance, as the company chose to locate the projects involving massive evictions in countries where civil liberties are often violated.
Frank Muramuzi, NAPE Executive Director says: “It’s a shame that foreign oil corporates continue to make supernormal profits while Ugandan oil host communities reap harassment, displacements, poor compensations and abject poverty on their own land.”
And contrary to TotalEnergies’ claims that its multi-billion oil projects were a major contributor to the development of local communities, it has become a threat to the future of poor families.
Pauline Tétillon, co-president of Survie, says: The company has only threatened the future of tens of thousands of people in a country where any protest is stifled or even repressed. Although the Duty of Vigilance Law forces communities to fight a David vs. Goliath battle by making them bear the burden of proof, it does offer them the opportunity to seek justice in France and finally have Total condemned for its repeated human rights violations.”
The law’s ambition is to prevent corporate abuses by obligating companies to set out effective measures of vigilance by establishing, implementing and publishing a Vigilance Plan in line with the UN’s human rights due diligence procedure.
The Vigilance Plan should explain what measures the company has implemented to identify and prevent human rights and environmental violations associated with a company’s activities. The activities include the company’s own activities of the company’s subsidiaries and suppliers and subcontractors’ activities which are directly and indirectly linked to the company through their commercial relationship/agreement.
The Vigilance Plan includes risk mapping, identification, analysis and ranking of potential risks as well as steps implemented to address, mitigate and prevent risks and violations.
The company is required to outline procedures implemented for periodically assessing the company’s subsidiaries, subcontractors and supplier’s compliance and a method for identifying existing or potential risks in cooperation with relevant trade unions.
Should a company covered by the law fail to comply by, for example, failing to implement and publish their Vigilance Plan, any concerned party, including victims of corporate abuses, may file a complaint with the relevant jurisdiction.
A company that fails to publish plans can be fined up to 10 million EUR which may rise to 30 Million EUR if failure to act results in damages that would otherwise have been prevented.
The scale of violations associated with Tilenga and EACOP projects has been widely documented by different actors, including civil society groups and UN Special Rapporteurs.
People affected by Tilenga and EACOP projects were deprived of free use of their land even before they had received compensation, for between three to even four years, in violation of their property rights.
Juliette Renaud, Senior campaigner for Friends of the Earth France claims TotaEnergies Tilenga and EACOP projects “have become emblematic, worldwide, of ravages of oil on human rights and the environment.
The affected communities must obtain justice for the violations committed by Total! This new battle is the battle of those whose lives and rights have been trampled upon by Total.”
“We salute members of affected communities for their courage in standing up to this powerful transnational corporation despite the threats they face, and call on the French justice system to repair this damage and thus put an end to Total’s impunity.”
Communities had also suffered severe food shortages because members had been deprived of their livelihoods, resulting in a violation of the right to adequate food.
Farmlands in some villages have been heavily affected by heavy flooding caused by the construction of the Tilenga Central Processing Facility (CPF) while only a minority of people benefited from compensation in kind, including land to land » i.e. replacement house and land, while for others, financial compensation was largely insufficient.
Scores of villagers say they have been threatened, harassed or arrested for criticising the oil projects in Uganda and Tanzania and defending the rights of the affected communities.
Friends of the Earth France and Survie have just released a new report concerning TotalEnergie’s EACOP project. “EACOP, a disaster in the making” is the result of a ground-breaking field investigation into Total’s giant oil pipeline project in Tanzania.
Fresh testimonies from families show human rights violations by the French oil giant in Uganda. “From the shores of Lake Victoria to the Indian Ocean, in all the regions affected by the pipeline, affected communities are expressing their feelings of powerlessness and injustice in the face of practices of the oil developers, who are flouting their most fundamental rights,” says Kamugisha.
Ever since France implemented their HREDD law, governments adopting human rights and environmental due diligence legislation have skyrocketed, especially on the European continent.
The European Commission announced in 2021 that they would adopt their own directive on mandatory supply chain due diligence for all companies operating within the EU which is likely to be enforced in 2024.
